What’s happening: Inspired by the success of the annual Bright Walls Festival in downtown Jackson, Rogers City is planning a new arts festival of its own. The Murals on Main Festival will host international and local artists for a week-long public art event that will install five new murals in downtown Rogers City.
What it is: The Rogers City Main Street program is leading efforts to introduce the new festival to the community, hoping to bring national and international artists to the Presque Isle County community and join local artists for the week-long festival. Plans call for activities and events in addition to the painting of five new murals, which will activate five unused walls in downtown Rogers City.
Why it’s important: "Rogers City’s Murals on Main will have a huge positive impact on our community, bringing visitors from far and wide to enjoy world-renowned artists' paintings,” says Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennon. “The murals will be completed; events and entertainment will be ongoing for all to enjoy during this multi day festival! It’s all about building vibrancy within our downtown."
How they’re doing it: The Murals on Main Festival has been accepted into the state’s placemaking initiative Public Spaces Community Places, a joint effort from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Michigan Municipal League, and Patronicity. As part of the initiative, Rogers City Main Street has launched a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform. Should they successfully reach their goal by Saturday, June 15, the MEDC will contribute a $50,000 matching grant to the project.
Learn more about the Murals on Main Festival on
Patronicity.
What they’re saying: “Arts and cultural events like this mural festival in Rogers City are a great way to bring a community together,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League. “Shared experiences like this help a community grow and thrive, and not just from an economic standpoint. It provides the community with opportunities to learn about one another and the world around them.”
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